Likely to be framed as a "cultural partnership" between the two nations, there is a growing sense that the Parthenon sculptures will be returned to Greece, in exchange for certain “blockbuster treasures” – negotiations are a two-way street, after all.
Although the Greek government is reluctant to reveal which “blockbuster treasures” they are willing to lend in exchange – a bid to build drama and raise expectations, I suspect – there is speculation that the Mask of Agamemnon might be included (which would not be too dissimilar to Britain lending the Alfred Jewel to Greece).
There are many reasons why this debate has rumbled on for so long – not least Athens’ muddled narrative regarding the terms of the marbles’ repatriation. In December 2023, Mitsotakis, speaking with Laura Kuenssberg in an interview that sparked a massive and somewhat incoherent dispute with Rishi Sunak, attempted to clarify Greece’s position on the matter. “I think the answer is very clear. They [the marbles] do look better in the Acropolis Museum, a state-of-the-art museum that was built for that purpose,” he said.
Denne historien er fra December 04, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 04, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Who Cares Who Has The Elgin Marbles? Let Them Go On Loan
After a series of "private meetings" between the UK and Greece this week, prime ministers Keir Starmer and Kyriakos Mitsotakis were to meet in London yesterday to discuss the future of the Elgin marbles.
Trump's Tariffs Would 'Hit UK Trade As Hard As Brexit'
Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs could hit UK trade with the US as badly as Brexit affected trade with the EU, a leading think tank has warned as campaigners call for Sir Keir Starmer to protect the UK by urgently rebuilding ties with Europe.
Taliban Bars Women From Being Trained As Midwives
Women in Afghanistan have been banned from training to become midwives in the latest crackdown unveiled by the Taliban.
South Korean Leader Calls Off Martial Law After Uproar
MPs vote against decree as violent protests outside National Assembly turn to celebration following reversal by president
EU Or The US? Starmer Has No Choice But To Pick A Side
The prime minister opened his Mansion House speech on foreign policy with another of his over-emphatic declarations.
Brexit Deals A £3bn-A-Year Blow To UK Food Exports
British food sales to the EU have fallen by almost a fifth since the end of the Brexit transition period, a new report shows
Biden Criticised Across The Board For Pardoning His Son
President’s decision slated by Republicans and Democrats
Why 8 hours is a myth and other athletes' sleep secrets
Performance coach Greg Meehan tells Alex Pattle how he keeps clients, including boxers and footballers, in top shape
Women like me won't stand for this treatment any more
When I woke up to MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace blaming midlife, middle-class women and their lack of a sense of humour for his troubles, I confess to swearing at my phone.
The BBC's Wallace problem goes beyond MasterChef
Is the fate of a television cookery presenter more important than Syrian insurgents seizing Aleppo and the turmoil on the streets in Georgia? The BBC thinks so, based on its news judgements in recent days, which have seen exhaustive coverage of the accusations against Gregg Wallace take precedence over matters of life and death around the world.
